Sound is heard better downwind due to refraction caused by the change in viscosity with altitude. Wind speed near the ground is slower, causing sound waves to slope downwards, making them more audible. When moving against the wind, waves are refracted upwards. You may have noticed that you can hear a sound better if it […]
Wind energy is a renewable resource that has been used for thousands of years. It can be harnessed directly or through wind turbines to generate electricity. Wind power is considered clean energy, but building turbines requires resources and can take up valuable land. Despite this, wind power is preferable to polluting and non-renewable power sources […]
Wind farms generate electricity using windmills or turbines and are popular in countries focusing on alternative energy. They are considered a “green” form of energy, although resources are required for setup. Wind farms can take up space and pose a threat to migratory birds, but are generally environmentally sound and fiscally viable. A wind farm […]
Vertical axis wind turbines (VAWTs) have a main rotor shaft that runs vertically, unlike the more common horizontal axis wind turbines (HAWTs). VAWTs have advantages such as easier maintenance and increased reliability, but are less efficient and not commonly used for commercial purposes. Ongoing research aims to improve VAWT power output and reduce noise. The […]
The Netherlands’ national railway company, NS, uses wind energy to power its electric train network. They achieved their goal of using wind power as the sole energy source for trains a year ahead of schedule due to the growing number of wind farms in the country. One hour of wind turbine operation generates enough electricity […]
Wind farm developers find and prepare sites for wind energy production, considering factors like wind speed and soil characteristics. They secure land, choose turbine locations, and handle lease and compensation issues. Wind farms require large investments and a technical understanding of wind energy. Professional consultants can assist with development and operations management. Wind farm developers […]
Wind turbines convert wind energy into mechanical or electrical energy. They have been used for centuries as windmills to grind grain and pump water. In recent years, wind turbines have become a major source of power generation worldwide. There are two main types of wind turbines: horizontal axis wind turbines (HAWT) and vertical axis wind […]
Stellar wind is gas ejected from a star’s atmosphere, with different types of stars producing different types of winds. Radiation pressure is a driving force. Mass loss is part of a star’s life cycle. The sun’s wind is loaded with electrons and protons. Post-main-sequence stars have slower winds with more matter, while hot bright stars […]
Wind tunnels are used to study the effects of air on solid objects. They include a duct with a porthole and instrumentation for mounting shapes or patterns. Wires, dye, and probes can be used to study airflow. Wind tunnels were invented in 1871 and have been used in a variety of industries, including aeronautics, sports, […]
Wind energy engineers design and maintain wind collection systems, ensuring compliance with regulations and safety codes. They may work on technical tasks, consult with external groups, and require specific knowledge and degrees in wind energy engineering. Practical experience with prototypes is also helpful. A wind energy engineer works to harness the power of the wind […]
Wind power engineers design, manufacture, and maintain wind power generation sets, collect and analyze geographic and meteorological data, oversee repairs and installations, and work with electrical engineers to connect generated power to the grid. They may also analyze past wind performance to predict future energy generation. A wind power engineer can perform tasks that encompass […]
Wind potential energy is the amount of usable energy that can be produced by wind currents. It has been used for centuries to power windmills, sailing ships, and produce electricity. The potential energy of the wind is measured in joules and can be calculated to evaluate the feasibility of wind turbine fields. The formula used […]
Wind erosion alters landforms by removing and carrying particles of earth, silt, and sand, and wearing away surfaces. It primarily occurs in arid and semi-arid regions due to lack of moisture and sparse vegetation. Deflation causes subsidence and desert pavement, while abrasion creates wind-shaped rock formations. Wind erosion can make land uncultivable and expand deserts, […]
Wind speed is measured using an anemometer and is influenced by factors such as pressure gradients, local weather conditions, and Rossby waves. The Beaufort Scale is a standardized measure for wind speed, with ratings in knots, miles per hour and kilometers per hour. Wind speed is typically judged as the speed of the wind. Most […]
Wind power has disadvantages such as land consumption, noise pollution, and location limitations. However, it is still a sustainable and environmentally friendly energy source compared to fossil fuels. Wind energy is not carbon neutral, but emissions are minimal compared to coal-fired power plants. Wind farms can be built on farms and in settled communities, but […]
The phrase “three sheets in the wind” refers to extreme drunkenness, originating from sailors describing their level of intoxication by the number of loose ropes or “sheets” on a ship. Three sheets meant instability and altered consciousness, while four meant unconsciousness and possible alcohol poisoning. Among the euphemisms and colorful expressions used to describe extreme […]
Gone with the Wind is a popular novel by Margaret Mitchell, featuring the character of Scarlett O’Hara during the Civil War and Reconstruction. The book’s success led to a film adaptation, and while it is a love story, it also portrays the hardships of the South during this time. Scarlett’s character is complex and flawed, […]
Wind energy is becoming increasingly competitive with traditional energy sources, with costs decreasing by 80% since 2009. Wind power is set to become the least expensive form of power generation in the US, and the Department of Energy estimates it will supply 20% of the country’s energy needs by 2030. However, coal-fired power plants still […]
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